The phone ban has received mixed reactions and opinions. Throughout the building, there are concerns—mostly from students—and positive responses—mainly from staff—about the New York State Phone Ban.

Various opinions are circulating online and among Mepham students. The phone ban has its pros and cons, including both personal and academic considerations. Personally, holding my phone has become a big habit, not just for me but for many other people. Usually, you’d see someone holding a water bottle, a binder, or books, but rarely a phone in their hand. Now, it sometimes feels awkward—you don’t have anything to scroll through or distract yourself with during the 4-minute passing period while walking to class—but it makes you more aware of what’s really happening around you.

One thing’s for sure: the more you realize you don’t have your phone, the more attention you give to your friends or even in class. Prior to the phone ban, classrooms had designated pockets for phones, while other classrooms had more lenient policies. I feel like the phone ban has encouraged, if not the majority to engage in activities you wouldn’t expect. For example, I’m sitting with my friends during an off period in the cafeteria when my eyes drift across the room and land on a group of people I know—playing Uno. At first, I was surprised; board games or just games in general during lunch are pretty rare. Usually, I’d just pass the time awkwardly with no one talking by using my phone. But now, I’m more likely to start something myself.

Yes, I miss my phone and the ease of contacting a friend on the other side of the building. However, it is encouraging to see that teachers and administrators are also trying to put their phones down, just like us. While teachers rarely use their phones during lessons, it seems like they’re also following the rules even when it is not mandatory. Though the impact hasn’t been clearly seen or identified, the change, gradual or not, is obvious.